Spirits in the End Zone?: Many NFL Fans Say The Supernatural Is At Play
NEW YORK — As Halloween casts its long shadow over October, a new study reveals that many NFL fans believe they aren’t just watching the game — they’re sharing the stands with spirits, while sensing the divine.
Touchdowns may be scored on the field, but what goes on off it? Fans can often be seen praying, warding off evil, consulting mediums and even wondering if angels or aliens are silently shaping the fate of their favorite teams, according to a new study.
The survey, conducted last month by Free Bets, surveyed over 2,000 fans across all 32 NFL teams to uncover just how many of them believe in the supernatural — and whether the mysterious forces they invoke on game days extends far beyond lucky socks.
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Pro football fans are notorious for their rituals — laying out jerseys like holy vestments, never moving from their blessed seat during a winning streak and making the sign of the cross before a field goal. But these superstitions may only scratch the surface.
The survey reveals a deep belief in ghosts and demons, angels and aliens, in sacred signs and unholy forces — all potentially influencing the final score.
For example, over half of Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys fans confess a belief in ghosts. Overall, 57.7% of NFL fans believe in angels, while 48.3% acknowledge the existence of demons.
More obscure beliefs got less traction. Only 27.3% said they believe in witches or warlocks, 22.5% in Bigfoot and 14.7% think werewolves are real.
But the survey also uncovered an intriguing paradox: Belief in all these things may be high, but spiritual action is low.
While nearly one in three fans believe supernatural forces are at work — though only 10% said they have tried to engage them. For instance, only 10.3% have ever had a psychic reading, while just 6.7% claimed to have ever used a Ouija board.
Some fans polled said they believe what happens on the field is more than human. Could angels protect a quarterback from injury? Could demons cause a kicker’s sudden collapse?
The belief in ghosts is highest with Vikings fans (57.8%), followed by those who root for the Falcons (55.4%). Cowboys, Browns, Broncos and all hover near 53%, perhaps sensing long-dead legends lingering in the end zone.
Clemente Lisi is executive editor at Religion Unplugged.